Is Pope Francis Still Alive? Who is Pope Francis?
by Kavitha | Updated Mar 01, 2024
Who is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis, also known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013.
He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis is significant because he is the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from outside Europe in over a thousand years. He's also the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.
Before becoming pope, Francis served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998. Throughout his life, he's been known for his humility, care for the poor, and efforts to bring people of different backgrounds and beliefs together through dialogue.
He's also spoken out about issues like climate change, expressing concern for the environment and its impact on people's lives. In his encyclical called Laudato si', he talked about these issues and urged action to address them.
As pope, Francis has taken a simpler approach, choosing to live in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the traditional papal residence. He's known for his down-to-earth demeanor and efforts to connect with people from all walks of life.
Full Name
Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Papal Name
Pope Francis
Birth Date
December 17, 1936
Age
87 years (2023)
Place of Birth
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality
Argentine (with Vatican citizenship)
Is Pope Francis Still Alive?
Pope Francis, despite facing various health challenges, including recent bouts of the flu and past surgeries, is indeed alive. Over the years, he has been candid about his health struggles, which have included bronchitis, breathing difficulties, and surgeries for intestinal issues. Despite these obstacles, Pope Francis has remained active in his role as the leader of the Catholic Church.
In recent instances where his health required medical attention, such as his recent hospital visit due to flu symptoms, the Vatican has provided updates on his condition, reassuring the public of his well-being. Although he has had to cancel some appointments and undergo diagnostic tests and treatments, Pope Francis has demonstrated resilience and determination in carrying out his responsibilities.
Even with his health challenges, Pope Francis has continued to engage with his duties as pontiff, offering blessings, leading prayers, and addressing various social and religious issues. His commitment to serving the Catholic community and advocating for social justice remains unwavering, despite the physical limitations imposed by his health.
While Pope Francis has acknowledged the possibility of stepping down if his health deteriorates significantly, as his predecessor Benedict XVI did in 2013, he has also expressed his readiness to continue leading the Church as long as he is able to do so effectively. Overall, Pope Francis's resilience in the face of health challenges reflects his dedication to his faith and his ongoing commitment to the global Catholic community.
Pope Francis Age
Pope Francis, born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is currently 87 years old. As of 1st March 2023, he continues to serve as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Despite his advanced age, Pope Francis remains active in his duties, advocating for peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
His age has not hindered his commitment to dialogue and outreach, as he continues to engage with people from all walks of life. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has demonstrated resilience and determination, inspiring millions around the world with his humility and compassion.
Pope Francis Nationality
Pope Francis holds dual nationality, being Argentine by birth and also possessing Vatican citizenship due to his role as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he grew up and spent much of his life in Argentina before assuming the papacy in 2013.
Despite his global role as the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics worldwide, Pope Francis maintains a strong connection to his Argentine roots, often speaking fondly of his homeland and its people. His Argentine nationality reflects his cultural background, upbringing, and experiences that have shaped his worldview and approach to leadership.
Additionally, his Vatican citizenship underscores his unique position as the head of state for Vatican City, where he resides and conducts official papal duties. Overall, Pope Francis embodies a blend of Argentine identity and Vatican authority in his role as pontiff.
Pope Francis Career
Before becoming Pope, Francis had a long career in the Catholic Church. He joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in 1958. After years of study and training, he became a priest in 1969. In 1973, he was chosen to lead the Jesuits in Argentina as their provincial, or head.
In the 1980s, Francis went to Germany to work on his doctoral degree at Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology in Frankfurt. In 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a significant role in the Catholic Church. Then, during a ceremony called the Consistory in 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal, a high-ranking position within the Church.
In 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned, Cardinal Bergoglio was chosen to be the new Pope. He took the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved figure known for his care for the poor and for nature.
As Pope, Francis has made history in many ways. He's the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first Jesuit to hold the position. He's known for his simplicity and for his efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and care for the environment.
One notable event during his papacy was his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a prominent Shiite cleric, in 2021. This meeting highlighted his commitment to building unity among people of different religions. Pope Francis has also made important speeches, including one to the United States Congress in 2015, where he spoke about various issues facing the world today.
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Is Pope Francis Still Alive? - FAQs
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
As of 2023, Pope Francis is 87 years old, born on December 17, 1936.
Pope Francis is Argentine by birth and also holds Vatican citizenship.
Before becoming Pope, Francis served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and held various leadership roles within the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has a net worth of $100, but he does not receive a salary and lives a modest lifestyle in accordance with his vow of poverty.